Ginkgo: The tree that remembers

Some plants whisper their wisdom—Ginkgo biloba has been shouting it across centuries.

Recognized by its distinctive fan-shaped leaves and golden autumn glow, Ginkgo is one of the oldest surviving tree species on Earth. Fossil records trace it back over 200 million years, predating even the dinosaurs. It’s a species so ancient and resilient that botanists refer to it as a "living fossil"—a direct link to Earth’s prehistoric past.

Though ginkgo once grew wild across the globe, it eventually disappeared from its native forests. What saved it? Sacred care. Monks in Eastern Asia—particularly in Chinese and Japanese temple gardens—tended to ginkgo trees as spiritual and medicinal allies, preserving them in sanctuaries where they thrived. Some of those temple ginkgo trees still stand today, thousands of years old, weathering centuries of storms, war, and change.

This tree doesn’t just survive—it adapts. It even re-grew from charred roots after the Hiroshima bombing, a testament to its strength and regenerative nature. Gingko can be found wildly in the United States and there are even many trees that line the streets in Portland, Oregon.

HERBAL PRACTICE

In contemporary herbalism, ginkgo is used to support healthy circulation and cognitive function, and is often a go-to for those seeking sustained energy without overstimulation. Its properties are believed to enhance blood flow, especially to the brain and extremities, encouraging a sense of clarity and vitality.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, ginkgo seeds have been used for thousands of years, but modern herbalists most commonly work with the leaves, which are filled with unique plant compounds like flavonoids and terpenoids. These constituents are what give ginkgo its notable effects in herbal formulations.

You’ll find ginkgo in our Energy Tincture—a seasonal blend crafted to uplift and sustain without the jitters of caffeine. Paired with herbs like Eleuthero root and Rhodiola, it’s a wonderful companion for the long, bright days of summer, where stamina and mental clarity are especially welcome.

WORKING WITH GINKGO

While many herbal allies ask us to slow down, ginkgo gently invites us to focus and move forward—to stay present while reaching outward. It’s a perfect herb for creators, thinkers, and wanderers who want to remain connected to their path without burning out.

Like the trees themselves, which root deeply and rise with balance, working with ginkgo can be a grounding yet energizing experience.

Let this ancient leaf be a gentle nudge toward clarity this season.